Algebra Ideas

Made 4 Math Monday – Scientific Notation Jigsaw Tarsia Puzzle

by Kristin on September 16, 2012

I meant to do this as My Favorite Friday, but just didn’t get to it.

I love Tarsia puzzles. I introduced them to my district last and county last year and now everyone is using them. I know I have seen them recently written about in other blogs, but I can’t overemphasize how wonderful they are.

Yes, the software is great and you can make lots of different math puzzles, but almost every type of math is already created. And it is totally free. But, you have to be on a PC.

Go to Mr. Barton’s Tarsia Puzzle page and download the software and the hundreds of puzzles already made. They have different types of puzzles, not just the jigsaw pictured below. Dominoes, follow-me, matching and more.

I was desperate for a Scientific Notation activity that would provide practice, and I suddenly remembered the Tarsia card sorts. I don’t know why I didn’t think of them sooner…maybe because it is a new year.

Pairs work best for me, to make sure they are both participating. And I print them much smaller…probably too small this time (I printed 4 pages per sheet). Also, I print them in a couple different colors so that group near each other won’t mix them up.

Students cut up the triangles (in this case, only first period had to cut because I saved them during the day). And start matching standard form to scientific notation. A beautiful hexagon appears when you are done.

After finishing the puzzles, I have them copy 5 of the problems and answers down in their notebook. They have many other suggestions on the website. Sometimes I print out the input table and cover some of the problems and answers for them to fill in.

Ohhhh…We can’t download Tarsia at school and I only have a Mac at home. I think this would be a great activity for my kiddos tomorrow (wednesday) when I have a sub for a district meeting. Would it be possible for you to send me a pdf file? Thanks!